Personal stories highlight the experiences of people just like you. You’ll find stories from people who experience mental health or substance use problems, people who support a loved one, and people who work in mental health or substance use fields. They share their own experiences and perspectives, and describe their personal journeys to understanding, health and well-being.

Personal stories highlight hope and well-being, not treatment advice. Check out the Self-Help Resources section of this site for info sheet and workbooks, and talk to your doctor or health care provider to discuss treatment options that might be a good fit for you.

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Karen Reprinted from "Stigma" issue of Visions Journal, 2005, 2(6), pp. 28, 30 Two years ago, when my son Wayne* was 16, he was a handsome, well-rounded young man, destined for a healthy and productive adulthood. He had great talent in his liter ...

On HIV, addiction and being a mom K.C. Younker Reprinted from "Stigma" issue of Visions Journal, 2005, 2(6), pp. 19-20 "Wow, you're really healthy for someone who's had HIV for six years. Women with that die a lot faster than the ...

Rosalyn Reprinted from "Stigma" issue of Visions Journal, 2005, 2(5), pp. 25-26 It was April: the season of rebirth. I stepped out of the hospital and into the sunlight, suddenly aware that I was no longer wearing a puke-coloured gown and dispos ...

How I was treated when I needed long-term disability coverage Max Danvers* Reprinted from "Stigma" issue of Visions Journal, 2005, 2(6), p. 24 I was working for a large chemical waste company as a plant foreman and an on-site union representativ ...

Safety, freedom and friends Caroline Fei-Yeng Kwok Reprinted from "Families" issue of Visions Journal, 2004, 2(3), pp. 26-27 As a Chinese woman who suffers from manic-depression (bipolar disorder), I feel that there is a strong social stigma aro ...

A lesson in living Holly Whalen, CMA Reprinted from "Eating Disorders" issue of Visions Journal, 2002, 1(16), pp. 17-18 I was a career woman, making a six-figure income by the time I was thirty years old. I had a professional degree. I traveled ...

Or is it mother-teacher? Donna Murphy Reprinted from "Families" issue of Visions Journal, 2004, 2(3), pp. 30-31 Throughout my life, I have had two main loves. One has been my son, Kelly, who died by suicide in 1997 after a three-year battle with ...

A mother's reflection on her daughter's life Diana Budden Reprinted from "Families" issue of Visions Journal, 2004, 2(3), pp. 27-28 I have difficulty saying the word suicide. I have difficulty writing the word. Before my daughter Jessi ...